Uba Sani storms Kurmin Wali, vows swift rescue of abducted worshippers

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State  visited the remote Kurmin Wali community of Kajuru Local Government Area on Wednesday to personally engage with residents affected by a mass abduction that occurred on Sunday, January 18, 2026.

The incident involved armed gunmen storming three churches during worship services, two belonging to the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement and one Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), abducting scores of worshippers, including women, children, and entire families.

Community sources and lists circulated by residents initially reported up to 177 people taken, with some reports indicating 11 later escaped, leaving around 166 still in captivity.

The attackers reportedly surrounded the village, fired shots, and marched victims into the bush.

The abduction sparked widespread concern and controversy after initial official responses from the Kaduna State Police and local authorities denied or downplayed the reports, with the police commissioner challenging claimants to provide victim details and the Kajuru council chairman stating no evidence of kidnapping was found.

This stance drew sharp criticism from community leaders, the Adara Development Association, opposition figures like Hon. Isa Mohammed Ashiru, and groups such as Amnesty International, who accused authorities of suppressing information and demanded accountability.

The Nigeria Police Force later reversed course, confirming through a statement from Force Public Relations Officer CSP Benjamin Hundeyin that the incident “did occur” following further verification by operational units and intelligence.

The Inspector-General of Police deployed tactical teams, intensified patrols, and initiated targeted search-and-rescue operations in the area.

During his visit to Kurmin Wali, Governor Sani met with relatives of the abducted individuals to express empathy and solidarity.

He reassured the community of his administration’s unwavering commitment to securing the safe rescue of all victims and restoring lasting peace.

The governor emphasized his zero-tolerance policy toward all forms of insecurity, vowing that the Kaduna State Government would spare no effort in collaborating with security agencies to end the cycle of abductions and banditry plaguing the region.

This latest incident highlights ongoing security challenges in parts of Kaduna State, where mass kidnappings for ransom have become recurrent, often targeting vulnerable rural and religious communities.

Authorities have appealed for public reliance on verified information to avoid jeopardizing rescue efforts.